Numerical Simulation of Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer through Channels of Plate Heat Exchangers

Abstract

The subject of this paper is numerical simulation of fluid flow and heat transfer in channels of plate heat exchangers for heating domestic hot water in heating substations in Belgrade. This paper puts a special emphasis on numerical simulation of hydraulic parameters of fluid flow and heat transfer parameters performed in the collective and individual channels of the plate heat exchangers. The geometric model of the collective channel plate for the passage of fluid was obtained by connecting all geometrical models of individual channels on the one exchanger plate. The numerical network for both geometric models was generated separately and the boundary conditions were adopted for different fluid velocity through them. The uneven distribution of shear stresses on the plate of the heat exchanger was determined for various speeds of fluid in the collective and individual channels for the fluid flow. At the same time the fluid velocity in the collective channels had a value of 0.1m/sec, and an individual channels it was 0.01m/sec. Shear stress values, obtained by numerical simulation, were compared with the experimental results of these stresses which were obtained by the measurement of the fluid parameters that have approximately the same velocity (0.1m/sec). Due to the significant impact of the distribution and intensity of tangential stress on the plate fouling on the area of the heat exchanger, these results can serve as a basis for the introduction of new project procedures for the selection of plate heat exchangers in district heating systems.

A Transient Response Comparison of a Conventional and a Meso Heat Exchanger under Mass Flow and Temperature Step Changes

“…A uniform slab surface temperature distribution was found on the meso heat exchanger compared to nonuniform temperature distribution around the tubes of a conventional heat exchanger. Numerical simulation of fluid flow and heat transfer in channels of plate heat exchangers for heating domestic hot water was studied by Mandic [5]. The simulation model predicted the time of flow and temperature degradation within the channel which allowed a preventative maintenance on the heat exchanger plates to be performed in a timely manner.…”

Transient Heat Transfer Phenomena of Crossflow Minichannel Heat Exchanger due to Incremental and Decremental hot Fluid Mass Flow Rates

“…This is because of the impracticability to experimentally measure the inner surface temperature of the 1mm channel as well as the temperature difference between liquid and wall, especially in transient situation. The numerical simulations are appropriate to practical research of fluid flow and heat transfer parameters in heat exchangers [22]. These are very useful supplement to the interpretation of the experimental data, where temperature fields and heat fluxes are very difficult or impossible to measure.…”